APSE Statement on the UK Exit Vote from the EU

APSE (Association for Public Service Excellence) works with over 300 local councils throughout the UK. The UK referendum vote to leave the EU has a fundamental impact on local government.

APSE recognises that many local government regulations and functions, whilst set within a UK legislative framework, are also governed by European Union regulations. Whilst many may continue unchanged in the short term, and during the exit negotiations with the EU, local government must be fairly represented within a national public service context.

APSE is calling upon the Government and all political parties to ensure local government services are protected. A future domestic framework, governing matters such as freedoms and powers for local councils, procurement regulations, environmental protection regulations, employment matters for the local government workforce and, most importantly, council budgets are treated fairly with the full involvement of the local government sector. In developing alternative plans, policies and any necessary legislative changes, local government needs to be fully consulted.

Speaking about the referendum results, Paul O’Brien, APSE Chief Executive, said “It is not for APSE to judge the outcome of the referendum. The British people have voted for change, however we must not allow the results of the referendum to bring a further assault on local government finances. The ship is only just steadying from years of austerity budgets and now is not the time to crush the progress that local councils are making in bringing about stable local government services.”

APSE National Chair, Councillor Martin Reilly, said “We now need a UK-wide and sector representative local government forum to work with Central Government on responding to the EU exit. Such a forum needs to be fully representative of the whole of local government and should be one which understands the full intricacies of local council services and the interface with EU regulations. Only then will we be able to ensure the best possible outcomes for local councils and the communities they serve”.

Further notes

• Councils are governed by EU regulations in relation to public procurement contracts including complex regulations for contracts supplying goods and services
• Certain council operations are run through companies known as ‘Teckal’ companies which are currently governed by such regulations which relate to council trading activities
• Councils must also comply with EU regulations on environmental matters which capture a broad range of local services ranging from recycling targets through to the use of weed control substances in local parks.
• Councils must also comply with EU led employment protection matters, such as agency workers rights, equalities matters and the Transfer of Undertakings Protection of Employment Regulations (TUPE) which operates when council staff are transferred to different service providers under contracts.
• Local councils have faced huge reductions in budgets since 2010 and could face further funding cuts if there is an emergency budget or measures taken to stabilise the economy following market shocks at the UK exit from the EU.

Contact: To arrange for interview or for further information please contact Mo Baines on 07971 843515 or email [email protected] or Sophie Bannister on [email protected]